PCC statement on tragic events in London (5 June 2017)

West Yorkshire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark
Burns-Williamson, said that his thoughts were with the victims and
families of those affected by the London attack on Saturday
evening.

"I want to pass on my thoughts and condolences to those caught
up in this awful situation in London," he said.

"...and I want to pay tribute to the professionalism of the
emergency responders on Saturday night and to those brave members
of the public. There is no doubt our police and emergency services
do a fantastic job but we need to work together collectively even
more to try and prevent these tragedies happening in the first
place.

"We cannot let people who want to cause harm dictate how we live
and work and I want to reassure people in West Yorkshire that their
public safety remains our top priority.

"The diversity of West Yorkshire is one of its greatest
strengths and community cohesion is vital to ensure our communities
feel safe. I know that the impact of recent tragic events will
affect feelings of safety, but I am working with communities to
empower them to build resilience against divisive influences.

"These crimes often ignore county and national boundaries and
the effects of failing to stop them, as we know, can be truly
devastating...together we will need to redouble our efforts in
finding lasting solutions to these terrible acts of extremism and
violence from wherever they come.

"We are fortunate to have the North East Counter Terrorism Unit
and a committed team of local authority coordinators across West
Yorkshire who work with communities to help prevent people being
drawn into extremism, but if we are to stop terrorist attacks we
must be able to more effectively identify and support people who
are vulnerable within our communities, and disrupt those who seek
to radicalise others. That is why I have been calling for a
Government review of the counter-terrorism, including the Prevent
strand for some time, as well as more resources for policing our
communities generally.

"I want to reassure people that there is already an increased
police presence, including patrols and armed officers, around key
locations across West Yorkshire and would urge people to be
vigilant, and alert but not alarmed.

"If anyone has any concerns I would urge them to ring the
anti-terror hotline on 0800 789 321 but in an emergency ring
999."